Supima cotton is strong, but its fine yarn rewards gentle care. Six simple habits keep a Supima tee soft, the right size and the right colour for years. They take no longer than the routine you use now.
The six rules
- Hand wash in cool water. Heat is what shrinks cotton and dulls colour.
- Turn it inside out. The outer face rubs less, so it stays smooth.
- Dry in the shade. Strong Indian sun fades dark colours faster than washing does.
- Iron on low heat, inside out if you can.
- No bleach, even on whites.
- No tumble dryer. It is the fastest way to shrink any cotton.
How to stop t-shirts shrinking
Cotton shrinks most on its first hot wash and in a dryer. Wash cool and dry flat or on a hanger. Abraca washes every panel before sewing, so the shrinking has already happened before the tee is made. That is one reason Supima cotton is worth the price: it keeps its fit.
How to stop black t-shirts fading
- Wash darks together, inside out, in cool water.
- Use a mild detergent and less of it.
- Dry in the shade, never in direct sun.
Keeping white t-shirts white
- Wash whites on their own.
- Rinse sweat and deodorant marks soon after wearing.
- Skip bleach: it weakens the fibre and can yellow it.
Mistakes that ruin a good tee
A fine Supima cotton yarn forgives a lot, but not these:
- Hot water or a hot iron straight on the print or fabric face
- Wringing it out hard, which stretches the knit
- Drying on a sunny terrace all afternoon
- Hanging a heavy polo by the shoulders while soaking wet; dry it flat or on a wide hanger
Washing questions
Can I machine wash a Supima t-shirt?
The care label on Abraca tees says hand wash, and that is what keeps them softest the longest.
How do I wash a heavyweight polo?
The same way, but dry it flat so the shoulders keep their shape. See the 240 GSM Supima polo guide.
Will a Supima t-shirt shrink?
Only with heat. Wash cool and skip the dryer. Abraca's panels are pre-washed, so the fit you get is the fit it keeps.
How do I get creases out?
Iron on low heat, inside out, or hang it in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes.
How should I store polos?
Fold heavyweight polos rather than hanging them for long periods, so the shoulders keep their shape.
